Magic Mike in the 254: A Look Into The Lives of Kenyan Male Strippers

So last week UP Magazine had an article on the possible saving graces of strip clubs in Nairobi. Since we mainly focused on female strippers, we decided to have a look at how their male counterparts compare and contrary to popular belief, they are actually doing quite well for their chiseled selves.

In the name of research, my colleague and I found ourselves at Taboo nightclub… At 2 in the afternoon. Here we stumbled upon a group of strippers, who by the way prefer to be called pole dancers, rehearsing for an upcoming exclusive event that would be held at Taboo. We were slightly disappointed to not meet any male strippers there but as I was rightfully informed, most male strippers do not perform in public clubs like Taboo. Their services are mostly exclusive, restricted to house calls, bachelorette/hen night parties, private parties, and only perform in exclusive clubs such the XS Millionaires Club.

Call me ignorant and all but I did not think there were any male strippers in Kenya. Figured that job was left to us women but thanks to that trip down electric avenue one fine Wednesday afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise. Mary, the director of Knight Nurse-a group of pole dancers, was kind enough to give us an insight to the male stripper world. Thanks in advance for all your help Mary!

The Knight Nurse group occasionally works with the men when they have group performances.

On whether male strippers earn more than females… Yes. They do indeed a whole lot more actually. Male strippers tend to charge 4 times higher than their female counterparts for their services as they are fewer and in bigger demand. A female stripper charges around Ksh.10,000 a night, and add to what their employer gives them plus tips, they could make at most 25k a night. Now for the men… 4 times higher as I said, so that’s already 40,000 a night, plus their cut from their employer and extremely generous tips, the magic mikes of Nairobi end up making a clean 60k in one night alone. This can easily be their only hustle and they can live comfortably off it. Any man reading this right now is probably looking up how to get in on this fast money making scheme, let me help you out fellas; www.rarebliss.com thank me later.

On whether most male strippers are gay… Yes and no. Yes most of them are gay but not all of them. There are some straight arrows among them but interestingly enough, some of the straight ones allegedly change their sexual preferences and ‘turn gay’ after a while in this game. Why? We couldn’t really find out for sure.

On whether they are open about their work… Yes and no. Most male strippers will not openly admit to being a stripper/male dancer right off the bat. You have to get to know them personally before they can let you in on that. Seeing as female strippers/dancers/sex workers are highly sought after by the law and are harassed a lot, for male strippers the harassment and stigmatization will be much worse as this is a profession normally connected to women and not men. Others though are quite open about their profession and fully support their families on what they make from it. Some even have their wives/significant others at their shows watching and cheering on (but you and I both know it’s to keep a keen eye on thirsty THOTs in the club)

Well it’s clear male strippers don’t have it so bad out here in Nairobi, whether they are simply dancing on poles in a club or showcasing their bodies for wealthy women in the comfort of their homes.